Ademola Lookman has major fight on his hands to reclaim Super Eagles spot

Ademola Lookman heads into Atalanta’s Champions League clash with Slavia Prague searching for the spark to reignite his season. Against Lazio at the weekend, the Nigeria international was one of the few bright spots in a cagey 0-0 draw. Energetic, sharp, and dangerous in flashes, but again without a goal to show for his efforts. His work rate and movement were there, yet the final touch remained elusive for both player and team.

In Italy, conversation has turned towards his role rather than his output. Calcio Atalanta argued that the forward is being used out of position, insisting he is not a natural no. 9. Lookman’s threat, they note, lies in facing goal and exploiting space, not holding up play against organised defences..

It’s been a testing few months for the 28-year-old, whose summer was overshadowed by transfer speculation and uncertainty over his future. The 2024 CAF Player of the Year remains a key figure in Bergamo, but his slow return to top form has coincided with growing competition for places both at club level and internationally.

Has Lookman’s club form cost him his Super Eagles place?

Lookman’s suspension ruled him out of Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Benin Republic in the World Cup qualifiers last week, a match that showcased Eric Chelle’s attacking blueprint in full flow. 

Moses Simon impressed on the left, while Akor Adams partnered Victor Osimhen up front, working tirelessly to stretch the Beninese back line and create space for others. The Super Eagles looked balanced, dynamic, and ruthless without one of their star men. That performance leaves Lookman facing a fight to reclaim his place when Nigeria meet Gabon in the World Cup playoff on 13 November. 

Chelle’s recent 4-4-2 system seems to demand a selfless runner beside Osimhen, someone willing to chase channels, press defenders, and play for the team. Adams has filled that brief perfectly so far, whereas the Bergamo-based attacker remains more of a direct finisher, happiest when driving at goal himself. Playing him wide, ahead of either Moses Simon or Samuel Chukwueze, would unbalance the setup, not only clustering attacking spaces, but compromising the team’s defensive structure without the ball, 

Yet, benching a player of Lookman’s pedigree feels harsh. There is a certain irony to it: the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was a point of ascension for him, and yet going into the next one, there is arguably no longer a place in the Super Eagles lineup for him.